Chits, Books, Phones: GTU Books 200 for Unfair Means During Exams

Gujarat Technological University (GTU) has registered unfair means (UFM) cases against more than 200 students who were allegedly caught cheating during the summer semester examinations across various undergraduate and postgraduate courses. Among them, eight students were caught carrying or allegedly using mobile phones during the exams.

According to the university, a total of 201 students have been booked for examination malpractice. The accused students have been summoned to appear before GTU's Unfair Means Committee on July 6 and 7 for personal hearings.

Eight students face Level-8 action

GTU has placed more than eight students under the Level-8 category, the highest level of disciplinary action, after they were found with mobile phones or smartwatches inside examination halls.

Officials said that in some cases, students refused to share the password to their mobile phones, raising suspicion that the devices may have been used to access study material during the examination.

Different levels of punishment

GTU follows a graded punishment system for examination-related misconduct, including carrying chits, books, electronic devices, or engaging in misconduct with invigilators and examination staff.

Cases that do not fall under the university's existing punishment guidelines are classified under Level-8, with the final decision left to the Unfair Means Committee.

Most of the remaining students have been placed under Level-2 and Level-3 categories.

Students may face semester debarment

Following the hearings scheduled on July 6 and 7, the committee will determine the final punishment. Depending on the severity of the offence, students could face penalties ranging from cancellation of results to debarment for one to six semesters.